Ambulatory Wheelchair Users: Who Are They? [Statistics]

Wheelchairs are a common sight in today’s world, used by those who have lost mobility in their legs. 

But not all wheelchair users are the same. 

Ambulatory wheelchair users are a special group of individuals who can walk short distances but require the use of a wheelchair for longer distances or for specific situations. 

These individuals may have conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries that limit their mobility. 

They often face unique challenges and may not receive the same accommodations as non-ambulatory wheelchair users.

This article will explore the experiences of ambulatory wheelchair users, delving into the challenges they face and the accommodations they need. 

From navigating public transportation to finding accessible buildings, we’ll take a closer look at the daily struggles and triumphs of this often-overlooked group. 

Through the experience of real-life ambulatory wheelchair users, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of their lives and the ways in which society can better support them.

Key Takeaways:

• Ambulatory wheelchair users are individuals who can walk short distances but require the use of a wheelchair for longer distances or specific situations.
• These individuals may have conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries that limit their mobility.
• They often face unique challenges and may not receive the same accommodations as non-ambulatory wheelchair users.
• Ambulatory wheelchair users are considered to have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Not all ambulatory wheelchair users are temporary, some have permanent mobility impairments.

What is an Ambulatory Wheelchair User?

An ambulatory wheelchair user is a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility, but is able to transfer in and out of the wheelchair and may also be able to walk short distances with the use of assistive devices such as crutches or canes. 

This person may have a temporary or permanent mobility impairment and uses the wheelchair as a means of getting around in their daily life. 

They may use their wheelchair for longer distances and for mobility in public spaces like shopping centers, parks, and offices.

Are Ambulatory Users Considered Disabled?

Yes, ambulatory wheelchair users are considered to have a disability. 

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. 

Using assistive devices for mobility is considered a limit to major life activities, and the fact that an individual requires a wheelchair for their daily activities means that they are considered to have a disability. 

This also means that they are protected under the ADA and are entitled to reasonable accommodations in order to participate in daily activities and have equal access to opportunities.

Are Ambulatory Wheelchair Users Temporary?

Not necessarily, some ambulatory wheelchair users may have temporary mobility impairments due to an injury or illness that will eventually heal. 

However, many of them also have permanent mobility impairments due to a condition such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or any other chronic disorder that affects their ability to walk. 

It’s important to remember that every person’s experience with a disability is unique, and some people may find that their mobility needs change over time. 

So, it’s not possible to label all ambulatory wheelchair users as temporary or permanent.

Examples of Ambulatory Wheelchair Users

Here are a few examples of people who may be considered ambulatory wheelchair users:

• Someone with spinal cord injury who can walk short distances with the use of crutches or canes, but uses a wheelchair for longer distances or for mobility in public spaces.
• Someone with multiple sclerosis who may experience fatigue and weakness in their legs, but is able to transfer in and out of a wheelchair and walk short distances with the use of assistive devices.
• Someone with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair for mobility but is able to stand and walk with the use of braces or other assistive devices.
• Someone who has a temporary injury or recovery process and uses a wheelchair temporarily while they regain their strength and mobility.
• Someone who has a chronic illness or condition that affects their ability to walk, but is able to transfer in and out of a wheelchair and walk short distances with the use of assistive devices.

Ambulatory Wheelchair Users Statistics and Facts

Ambulatory wheelchair users are a significant population who face unique challenges in their daily lives. 

In this section, we will take a look at some statistics about this group of people to better understand their needs and experiences. 

This information can help us create more accessible and inclusive environments for people who use wheelchairs for mobility:

• 6.6% of people in the USA have an ambulatory disability
• The above statistic translates to about 22 million people
• Ambulatory disabilities are the most prevalent kind among US citizens
• The state with the highest number of ambulatory users is West Virginia with 11.2%
• Colorado is the state with the lowest share of ambulatory disabled people with 5%
• In people older than 65 years, the most common causes of ambulatory disability are related to lumbar ailments
• Adverse health outcomes linked with the disabled status can be compounded by other known risk factors such as financial status and place of residence
• The highest rates of people with ambulatory disabilities are found in non-Latino-black groups; females; immigrants; colder northern state population; and individuals aged 65 and above.
• Demographically, the lowest concentration of ambulatory mobility difficulties is found in Mexican-Latinos
• More than 70% of wheelchair users can’t walk a quarter of a mile
• Only 26.2% of ambulatory wheelchair users from ages 18 to 64, in the US, are employed
• However, just 4.6% who are not working are actively looking for work
• In contrast, 17.4% of people without disabilities not working are actively looking for work
• Just 16% of ambulatory disabled people work full time
• The median household income of ambulatory disabled people ages 21 to 64 is $39,100
• In contrast, the median household income for a comparable group of non-disabled people is $71,000. Ambulatory disabled people only earn, on average 55% of what people with no disabilities make
• Poverty rates are 3 times higher when comparing ambulatory disabled people with those that have no disabilities (29.1% vs. 10.4%)
• 35% of ambulatory disabled people’s maximum education level is a high-school diploma, while this number for the non-disabled is 25%
• Ambulatory disabled people are 3 times less likely to achieve a bachelor’s degree, on average compared to non-disabled people (12.5% vs. 34.5%)
• The percentage of ambulatory mobility disabled people ages 5 to 15 years is 0.6%
• The percentage of ambulatory mobility disabled people ages 16 to 20 years is 0.8%
• The percentage of ambulatory mobility disabled people ages 21 to 64 years is 4.9%
• The percentage of ambulatory mobility disabled people ages 65 to 74 years is 14.8%
• The percentage of ambulatory mobility disabled people ages 75+ years is 30.9%

How to Know if You Would Benefit From a Wheelchair?

Here are a few signs that you may benefit from using a wheelchair:

• You have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time due to a physical or neurological condition.
• You experience pain or discomfort when walking or standing.
• You tire easily or become fatigued when walking or standing.
• You have difficulty maintaining balance or stability when walking.
• You have difficulty navigating stairs or uneven terrain.
• You have difficulty participating in daily activities such as grocery shopping, attending school or work, or socializing with friends and family due to mobility limitations.
• You have a temporary injury or recovery process and using a wheelchair will help you to move around during the recovery process.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, to determine if a wheelchair would be appropriate and beneficial for your specific needs.

Mobility Scooters are an Alternative to Consider

Mobility scooters are a great alternative for people who are ambulatory wheelchair users. These scooters are designed to help people with mobility issues get around more easily, and they can be a great way to regain some independence.

One of the main benefits of mobility scooters is that they are very easy to use. They typically have a comfortable seat and a control panel that is easy to navigate. 

This makes them a great option for people who have difficulty using a traditional wheelchair or who are looking for an alternative to walking.

Another benefit of mobility scooters is that they are very versatile. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. 

For example, they can be used to run errands, go to appointments, or even go on vacation.

In summary, mobility scooters are a great option for ambulatory wheelchair users looking for an alternative to traditional wheelchairs.

They are accessible and can help people regain their independence.

In some cases, they can even be cheaper than powered wheelchairs.

If you are considering a mobility scooter, it is important to talk to your doctor or therapist to determine if it is the right option for you.

Here’s an article that will let you learn more about it:

When to Get a Mobility Scooter: 9 Signs You Need One

Statistical Sources:

• 2016, American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year Estimates. Table S1810, disability characteristics.
• https://medcraveonline.com/MOJGG/disability-in-ambulatory-patients-older-than-65-attended-in-rehabilitation-medicine.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4127098/
• LaPlante, M. & Carlson, D. (1996). Disability in the United States: Prevalence and Causes, 1992. Disability Statistics Report (7).Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
• LaPlante, M.P., Hendershot, G.E., & Moss, A.J. (1992). Assistive Technology Devices and Home Accessibility Features: Prevalence, Payment, Need, and Trends. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics, 217. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics.
• Manton, K.G., Corder, L.S., & Stallard, E. (1993). Changes in Personal Assistance and Special Equipment Use from 1982 to 1989: Results from the 1982 and 1989 NLTCS. Gerontologist 33 (2), 168-176.
• National Center for Health Statistics (1998). National Health Interview Survey on Disability, Phase 1 and Phase 2, 1994 (machine-readable data file and documentation, CD-ROM Series 10, No. 8A). Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics.
• Russell, J.N., Hendershot, G.E., LeClere, F., Howie, L.J., & Adler, M. (1997). Trends and Differential Use of Assistive Technology Devices: the United States, 1994. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics, 292. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics.
• Paul, S., Rafal, M., & Houtenville, A. (2020). Annual Disability Statistics Compendium: 2020 (Table 3.6). Durham, NH: University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability. Note: Authors’ calculations using the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Public Use Microdata Sample, 2019, which is subject to sampling variation. [1] The percentage of people employed with ambulatory disabilities.
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/793981/ambulatory-disabilities-in-the-us-by-age/
• https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/StatusReports/2017-PDF/2017-StatusReport_US.pdf

All the claims made in this article are only for informational purposes, based on the writer’s experience and not clinical advice. You should always consult your physician or physical therapist if you have any doubts about how this applies to your specific case.